The Communications Authority of Kenya is laying 2,500 kilometers of fiber optic cables in 19 counties at a tune of Kshs 5 billion to improve internet access in rural areas.
The ambitious project is currently at the halfway mark, with 1,300 kilometers of fiber already installed.
During the ITW Africa 2024 conference held at a Nairobi hotel, CA Director General David Mugonyi highlighted the importance of this project, which is being executed in collaboration with the ICT Authority (ICTA) and Kenya Power.
Phase II aims to provide last-mile connectivity to 3,800 public offices and institutions nationwide.
Mugonyi pointed out that research consistently demonstrates a strong correlation between broadband access and socio-economic growth.
Increased internet usage leads to business expansion, particularly in knowledge-driven sectors, facilitating access to new ideas, supply chains, and customer bases.
“Affordable, reliable, and high-speed internet is the backbone of modern economies, vital for both economic growth and active participation in today’s digital world,” Mugonyi stated.
He emphasized that connectivity is a key driver of the global economy, and without robust telecommunications markets, Africa’s ability to leverage the rapidly growing digital economy remains limited.
Despite the push for expanded internet access, Mugonyi acknowledged the growing threat of cybercrime. In response, the CA implemented the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse (Critical Information Infrastructure and Cybercrime Management) Regulations to establish a comprehensive framework for protecting critical information systems. The establishment of the Cyber Security Operations Centre further strengthens Kenya’s cybersecurity landscape.
Mugonyi explained that these regulations enhance the capacities of both public and private sectors in industries critical to a flourishing digital economy, including telecommunications, banking, transportation, and healthcare.
“To keep pace with technological advancements, we are undertaking a significant reset of our regulatory frameworks, including establishing a Regulatory Sandbox that supports innovation without regulatory bottlenecks,” he added.
The CA’s commitment to fostering competition is underscored by its encouragement of new market entrants to improve service quality and scalability. The director general emphasized that the ITW conference is a testament to the vast opportunities that expanding Africa’s digital coverage presents for businesses, governments, and individuals alike.
Mugonyi raised concerns over the stark digital divide, noting that of the 400 million individuals globally without mobile broadband, nearly half reside in Africa.
According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), only 67% of the world’s population accessed the internet in 2023, while low-income countries—many in Africa—saw just 27% internet usage, a slight increase from 24% the previous year. This results in an average internet penetration rate of only 37% on the continent.
Mugonyi urged that Africa cannot afford to lose out on the advantages that digital technologies can provide, stating, “These technologies are crucial for creating a fresh development narrative. A full transition to digital can unlock a new future for the continent.”
He stressed the necessity for immediate actions to close the digital gap, ensuring that all citizens can benefit from growing digital opportunities. Addressing gender disparities in internet access, Mugonyi revealed that in 2023, only 32% of women in Africa were online compared to 42% of men. He highlighted the significant economic contributions women can make when afforded equal access to technology.
The director general concluded by stating that the digital divide reflects a broader income divide. He noted that to increase digital inclusion, there must be focused efforts to lower the costs associated with broadband and smart devices.
Government investment in ICT infrastructure through mechanisms like the Universal Service Fund is critical for closing these gaps in underserved regions. Over the last five years, the CA has successfully deployed Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) to enhance mobile connectivity for over 750,000 people across 130 sub-locations in 24 counties.
Looking ahead, Mugonyi mentioned that Phase II of the mobile connectivity project aims to reach 101 underserved sub-locations across 19 marginalized counties, with subsequent phases expected to extend coverage to an additional 400 locations.
